### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שְׁמִידָעִי (Shᵉmîydâʻîy, `{{H8062}}`) is a patronymic adjective. It is directly derived from the proper noun שְׁמִידָע (Shemida, `{{H8061}}`). As a patronymic, it signifies descent or association with the individual Shemida. Therefore, its core meaning is "a Shemidaite" or, in its collective plural form, "the Shemidaites," referring to the descendants or clan of Shemida. The underlying name שְׁמִידָע (Shemida) is generally understood to mean "name of knowledge" or "name knows," from שֵׁם (shem, "name") and יָדַע (yada, "to know"). However, the patronymic form primarily functions to denote family affiliation rather than carrying the semantic weight of the root name's meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שְׁמִידָעִי (Shᵉmîydâʻîy, `{{H8062}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in the context of genealogical lists and tribal censuses. Its singular occurrence is found in:
* [[Numbers 26:32]]: "Of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַשְּׁמִידָעִי) was numbered."
This verse is part of the second census of the Israelites, taken in the plains of Moab before entering Canaan. Specifically, it lists the families within the tribe of Manasseh. Shemida is identified as a son of Gilead, who was a son of Machir, the only son of Manasseh mentioned in this lineage (cf. [[Numbers 26:29-30]]). The phrase "the family of the Shemidaites" explicitly links the collective group to their ancestral head, Shemida, highlighting the tribal organization and the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite clans.
While the patronymic itself appears only once, the progenitor שְׁמִידָע (Shemida, `{{H8061}}`) is mentioned in related genealogical contexts:
* [[Joshua 17:2]]: Here, Shemida is listed among the sons of Manasseh (specifically, grandsons through Machir and Gilead), whose descendants received an inheritance in the land. This confirms the prominence of Shemida's line within Manasseh.
* [[1 Chronicles 7:19]]: This passage provides a more detailed list of Shemida's own sons (Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam), further solidifying the family's lineage and demonstrating the meticulous nature of Israelite genealogies.
The consistent appearance of Shemida and his descendants in these records underscores their established identity and place within the tribal structure of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **שְׁמִידָע (Shemida, `{{H8061}}`):** The direct progenitor from whom the Shemidaites derive their name. Understanding the individual is key to understanding the group.
* **Patronymics:** The linguistic pattern of forming names that indicate descent (e.g., יִשְׂרָאֵלִי (Israelite) from יִשְׂרָאֵל (Israel), לֵוִי (Levite) from לֵוִי (Levi)). This grammatical feature emphasizes lineage and clan identity in Hebrew culture.
* **מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah, `{{H4940}}`):** The Hebrew word for "family" or "clan," which is explicitly used in [[Numbers 26:32]] ("the family of the Shemidaites"). This term highlights the fundamental social and organizational unit of ancient Israel.
* **Genealogy:** The broader biblical practice of recording family lines (e.g., in Genesis, Numbers, and Chronicles). These lists were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation within the covenant community.
* **Tribal Organization:** The system by which ancient Israel was structured into twelve tribes, each subdivided into clans and families. The Shemidaites represent one such clan within the tribe of Manasseh.
### Theological Significance
While שְׁמִידָעִי (Shᵉmîydâʻîy, `{{H8062}}`) does not convey a direct theological doctrine, its presence in the biblical text illuminates several profound theological principles:
* **Divine Order and Providence:** The meticulous recording of every family and clan, including the Shemidaites, reflects God's sovereign ordering of creation and His particular attention to the details of His covenant people. It demonstrates that no group, however small, is overlooked in His divine plan.
* **Covenantal Faithfulness and Inheritance:** The existence of distinct families like the Shemidaites, with their specific place within a tribe, underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring and the inheritance of the land. Each family unit was a recipient of this covenantal blessing and had a specific portion in the promised land.
* **Corporate Identity and Responsibility:** The identification of "the Shemidaites" as a collective "family" emphasizes the corporate dimension of Israelite identity. God often dealt with His people not only as individuals but also as families, clans, and nations. This corporate identity meant shared blessings, but also shared responsibilities and consequences.
* **Historical Reliability of Scripture:** The inclusion of such specific and detailed genealogical data, down to individual clans like the Shemidaites, lends weight to the historical veracity and meticulous record-keeping embedded within the biblical narrative. It suggests an accurate account of Israel's formation and settlement.
### Summary
The term שְׁמִידָעִי (Shᵉmîydâʻîy, `{{H8062}}`) is a patronymic meaning "a Shemidaite" or "the descendants of Shemida," derived from שְׁמִידָע (Shemida, `{{H8061}}`). Its primary biblical occurrence is in the census of [[Numbers 26:32]], identifying a distinct family within the tribe of Manasseh. While semantically straightforward, its significance is profound. It highlights the crucial role of lineage and tribal organization in ancient Israel, reflecting God's meticulous providence in ordering His people and fulfilling His covenant promises. The presence of such specific family designations in the biblical record underscores the historical detail and reliability of Scripture, affirming the unique identity and inheritance of each family within the larger tapestry of God's chosen nation.
TRV